Famous Temples in Varanasi
Varanasi is called as Benaras or Kashi.It is also called as city of temples. People from different parts of India as well as world come to visit the temples of Varanasi. The famous temples among them are Kashi Vishwanath temple, Annapurna temple, Sankatha temple, Kalabhairav Temple, Mrutyunjay Mahadev Temple, new Vishwnath Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Sankatmochan Temple and Bharath Matha Temple.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple:- This temple is also known as Golden Temple. The presiding diety is Lord Shiva.Varanasi is the point where Lord Shiva manifested supremacy over other Gods, broke through earths crust and flared towards heaven. Shivalinga installed in the temple is the center of focus in Varanasi.
Annapurna Temple:- In this temple Goddess Annapurna is worshipped as Goddess of food. She is one of Shakthi peethas.The idol of Annapurna is made of gold. Once Lord Parvathi closed the three eyes of Lord Shiva and so the entire world was in darkness and there was an akala pralaya. Due to this Lord Parvathi lost her Gauri rupa. When she realized about the incident and asked Lord Shiva how to gain her original glow , Lord Shiva told her to annadana(donate food ) in Kasi.
Sankatha Temple:- This is one of the most powerful temples in Kasi. Sankata Devi means Goddess of Dangers. Sankata Devi was a Matriks, One of the mothers. She is a self manifested goddess. This temple is vicinity of two powerful Shakthi peethas Punch mudra peeth and Siddh peeth.
Kalabhairav Temple:- This temple is dedicated to terrifying aspect of Lord Shiva and is located at Vishweshwarganj. There are nine more temples dedicated to Kalabhairav in the city. Klabhairav is also called as Bharonnath.
Mrutyunjay Mahadev Temple:- The temple is located at Kaleshwar. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Mrutyunjay. People from all over India come here to perform Mahamrutyunjay-path. Besides this temple is a well whose water a mixture of several underground streams, useful for eliminating diseases.
New Vishwanath Temple:- The new Vishwanath temple is a replica of the Original Vishwanath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is in the premises of Banaras Hindu University. The temple is open to all castes and religion, unlike other temples. Temple is delight to all the visitors.
Durga Temple:- The temple is located at Durgakund of Varnasi. Durga temple is also known as Money Temple. According to Legends, goddess Durga statue appeared on its own. Special pujas are offered during the Navaratris. The temple is stained with ochre red.
Tulsi Manas Temple:- The temple has historic and cultural importance not only for Varanasi people but to entire India. The famous Hindu Epic Ramayana was written in this temple by Tulsi Das. The walls of the temple are engraved with depicting scenes from the epic Ramacharitamanas.
Sankatmochan Temple:- Lord Hanuman resides in this temple. This temple is believed to save the devotees from adverse effects. Many monkeys reside in this temple and feed on the offerings from the devotees. The temple is filled with devotees on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Bharath Matha Temple:- There are no idols in this temple. There is a large relief map of India carved in marble.